U.S. AND UK ISSUE JOINT STATEMENT ON UPCOMMING ELECTIONS IN SIERRA LEONE

Map Credit:  CIA World Factbook.

FROM: U.S STATE DEPARTMENT

Joint Statement on Presidential and Parliamentary Elections in Sierra Leone
Media Note
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
November 13, 2012
Following is a joint statement issued November 13, 2012 by the United States of America and the United Kingdom:

On November 17, Sierra Leone will hold its third consecutive series of presidential and parliamentary elections since the end of its civil war in 2002. Sierra Leone has made considerable progress over the last decade. Free, fair, and peaceful elections in 2012 are critical for consolidating Sierra Leone’s democratic and economic gains. We welcome the effort that has gone into preparing this month’s elections.

We call upon all Sierra Leoneans to participate actively in the process, to abide by the rule of law, to respect human rights, and to respect the eventual results. We also urge Sierra Leone’s presidential and parliamentary candidates to adhere to Sierra Leone’s democratic and electoral processes, to renounce violence and incitement to violence, and to ensure that the elections are free, fair, and transparent.

The international community will be following the process closely. The United States and the United Kingdom value highly their long-standing friendship with Sierra Leone and the Sierra Leonean people. We look forward to continuing our work with them to ensure progress, sustainable economic development, and lasting peace in the region.

　

Locator Map Credit:  CIA World FActbook.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FROM CIA WORLD FACTBOOK
Democracy is slowly being reestablished after the civil war from 1991 to 2002 that resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of more than 2 million people (about a third of the population). The military, which took over full responsibility for security following the departure of UN peacekeepers at the end of 2005, is increasingly developing as a guarantor of the country's stability. The armed forces remained on the sideline during the 2007 presidential election but still look to the UN Integrated Office in Sierra Leone (UNIOSIL) - a civilian UN mission - to support efforts to consolidate peace. The new government's priorities include furthering development, creating jobs, and stamping out endemic corruption.